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Study note

A Portrait of Pacing Profile of Cross-Country Skiers in the Vasaloppet 2004-2017.

PMID 30096721 (2018): pacing, even pacing — Time-trial performance (study note for endurance athletes).

Updated Jul 22, 2026

Read the study note

Study note • PMID 30096721

A Portrait of Pacing Profile of Cross-Country Skiers in the Vasaloppet 2004-2017.

International journal of sports medicine2018 • DOI 10.1055/a-0592-7811

How to use this page

This note summarizes one study record. Check the participants, methods, results, and limitations before applying it to training.

  • Design signal: controlled study.
  • Population relevance: mixed/unclear athlete specificity.
  • Consistency: single-study evidence.
  • Practical recommendation depends on tolerance, context, and whether it protects training consistency.

ELI5

In plain language

The aim of the study was to examine the effect of performance group by race time (10 groups;<3 h, 3-4 h, and so on up to>12 h) on pacing… (controlled study; n=19 participants).

The abstract suggests a trade-off or negative effect affecting Time-trial performance. Treat this as a signal, not a guarantee; confirm methods and context in the full paper.

Takeaways

What the abstract suggests

  • Study question: The aim of the study was to examine the effect of performance group by race time (10 groups;<3 h, 3-4 h, and so on up to>12 h) on pacing…
  • The abstract suggests a trade-off or negative effect affecting Time-trial performance.
  • Population: n=19 participants.
  • Protocol cues (title/abstract): 3 h • 4 h • 12 h • 11 h.

Protocol

Protocol (as reported)

  • Intervention/exposure: pacing, even pacing (vs comparison group).
  • Dose/time/duration cues in abstract/title: 3 h • 4 h • 12 h • 11 h.
  • Outcomes: Time-trial performance.
  • Replication note: abstracts often omit adherence and timing; confirm details before changing training or supplementation.

Fit

Who it may help, and who should be cautious

Who it helps

  • Athletes similar to the study population (n=19 participants) working on pacing.
  • Athletes who can measure Time-trial performance with a repeatable workout or time-trial effort.

Who should be cautious

  • If you have symptoms or conditions that make the intervention risky, get professional guidance.
  • If you’re near race day and can’t safely test, defer the experiment.

Methods

What the study actually did

  • Design: controlled study.
  • Population: n=19 participants.
  • Comparator: comparison group.
  • Outcomes measured: Time-trial performance.
  • Protocol cues mentioned: 3 h • 4 h • 12 h • 11 h.
  • Source: PubMed PMID 30096721 (2018) — International journal of sports medicine.

Results excerpt

What the abstract reports

Women had a larger pace range than men (44.0+/-10.6% versus 41.1+/-12.5%, respectively, p<0.001, d=0.25).

Note: excerpts are short; for full context, read the paper.

Limits

Limitations and bias

  • Abstract-only summaries can miss critical details (population, protocol, adherence, and context).
  • Single studies often don’t generalize to your event, history, and training load; treat results as a starting point.
  • If your context differs (elite vs recreational; cycling vs running), adjust expectations and be conservative.
  • This is performance information, not medical advice.

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